// REACHING REALISTIC PERSONAL GOALS //

Am I celebrating because I'm the next TPT millionaire?!? Heavens, no! I wish! I'm celebrating reaching some of my own, personal, reasonable goals. Of course I like to set high hopes and standards, but over the last year, one thing I've learned is that it's MORE important to set goals that are personally important or satisfying for yourself. For me, I really wanted to work on a few things:

CONNECT:At last year's conference, I came alone, knew NO ONE, and had absolutely no social media presence AT ALL. That was okay, I was just starting (still am, really), and it gave me a really great, personally appealing, reasonable goal. Luckily...I'm not shy ;-). Over the past year, I've worked hard and thoroughly enjoyed connecting with other educators, bloggers, and sellers via social media, blogging, and local meet-ups. Of course I love amassing these connections for business reasons (I'd be lying if I said I didn't!), butBETTER YEThas been the countless inspiring educational role models and true friends I've met along the way. Those, my friends, are truly priceless.

Build my BLOG:Last summer, my blog didn't even exist. I had blogging experience (and continue to) with Scholastic Top Teaching and LOVE that opportunity, but also wanted my own blog. So, that became a goal. Over the year, I've built my own blog, designed the elements therein, and blogged whenever possible. Throughout the school yearI TOTALLY went MIAon this blog a few times, but this summer I haveHIT IT HARD. A new goal is for me to blog more regularly this coming year.

Play with PRODUCTS: I've been creating teaching materials as long as I've been teaching, but creating something to SELL to other teachers is a whole new level of work...and pressure. I told myself not to worry about cranking out tons of products, nor making lots of money (if any) this past year. I wanted to play with product creation, create only things I truly NEEDED for my classroom, and then go from there. I've learned much from this approach, and feel much more ready for the year of creation ahead of me!

// FIND YOUR NICHE...& NICHE DOWN //

I will have TONS of posts more on this and other related topics, but my biggest take-away from the TPT conference was FIND YOUR NICHE...and then NICHE DOWN. Anyone who knows me knows...that is REALLY TOUGH FOR ME. I enjoy so much and want to try everything. The problem is {as we say in the small town where I grew up} "you can't ride 2 (or 3, or 4) horses with one....rear." ;-) Hearing this at the conference was a GAME CHANGING CALL TO ACTION for me. I took it to heart, and will from here on out am channeling my creative energy on.....drumroll....my Marketing Maven ventures. I'm leaving my existing curricular products up in my store, and I'm not saying I'll never create a school activity for sale in the future, but for right now, my goal is to be YOUR TPT MARKETING MAVEN.What does that mean? Check out some of my current and future Marketing Maven products and services below!

Stylized Photography Mock-ups: High quality images for social media, TPT store makeovers, and product covers/blog post creations. I'll be blogging more TOMORROW, through the weekend, and in the future about what these are, how you can use them to maximize your branding, and steps to customizing these items for your own shop needs.

Marketing Maven Branding Services: As you learn more about me, you'll know that my passion for and experience with graphic design and photography go waaaaay back. Before my son was born, I designed couture wedding invitations and brand logos, as well as photographed children and families "on the side" while teaching. NOW....I'm channeling those passions to help the blogging and TPT selling communities. COMING SOON {working with 2 private clients right now!!} I will be offering: custom logo creation, professional teacher/blogger photography, branding toolkits, and website/blog design! STAY TUNED!!!

Since settling down and channeling my interests and abilities is tough for me...I'm CELEBRATING this breakthrough!

// NEW PRODUCT CREATION //

It's only a few days before the HUGE TPT BTS SALE! Primp your shop!!!! I'll be posting & Periscoping the rest of this week on the topic of making your TPT SHOP and SOCIAL MEDIA look stellar...without losing your mind. For now, here's a preview of the new Marketing Maven products currently in my store & 20% ON SALE BEFORE the TPT SALE to help you READY your STOREFRONT:{Be sure to scroll through b/c there are 3 different design styles!}

// CELEBRATE WITH A GIVEAWAY!

I'm SO GRATEFUL that even ONE of you follow me on any of the social networks, read this blog, or have purchased a product from my shop. As a small token of my appreciation, I've teamed up with an AWESOME group of sponsors to bring you the FABULOUS GIVEAWAY below! Be sure to click through the slideshow to see the sponsors & the more you enter...the better your odds are of snagging one of the amazing prizes!

In my 12+ years as an educator, I’ve taught in four different school districts and four schools. The classrooms have been both mammoth and miniscule, new and old, and well maintained and dilapidated. Even when I stayed in the same school for four years, I had to change classrooms three times. Needless to say, I know how you feel as you prep your room for the new school year. And I’ve learned a lot about how to set up a stellar room without losing my mind. So, follow these steps to "Keep Calm and Carry On!"

// My Poor Husband... //

Let me start by singing the praises for my poor, sweet, hard-working hubby, Frank! {LOVE YOU!} This poor man has had to move me from room to room and between schools. On top of that, he has helped me makeover not ONE, but TWO classrooms from top to bottom. We're talking washing walls, floors, shelves, painting the ENTIRE ROOM, scraping goo, gunk, tape, and glue from every surface imaginable for 9+ hours in one room, and on and on. This type of work is my responsibility because it's my room...but he's always there right by my side to help, and I am beyond appreciative. I probably don't express it enough...but THANK YOU, hon! I couldn't do any of this without you!!

// My Top 10 Tips for Extreme Classroom Makeovers //

I originally created this Top 10 List for for my first two Scholastic Top Teaching blog posts. I had just been hired at my current school and had a major classroom renovation at hand. Check out the two original posts chronicling my journey from "Scene from SAW" to my current classroom. Within these posts, you'll see my top 10 tips for keeping your cool as you prep for school:

Imagine the possibilities.

Start with a clean slate.

Lay on a base coat.

Keep function foremost.

Start styling.

Be fabulously frugal.

"Date" your design.

Pace yourself.

S.O.S.

When disaster strikes....

// Take Time to Tweak //

Over the past three years, I moved three times: one grade each year. I started with second graders as a new hire, the next year I switched from second to third, and then last year from third to fourth. Each year I tailored my decor to a new theme that correlated to our curricular content. (Yes, it was an exhausting whirlwind, but it was also a lot of fun!)This year I’m parked firmly in fourth grade (LOVE fourth grade!) for the third year in a row, and this gives me the opportunity to continue to tweak, add to, and omit items to improve our classroom environment. Check out my top three classroom setup tweaks from last year and a sneak peek at new retro road trip items that I’m adding to my decor!See my "tweak your room" Scholastic post by clicking the image to the left!

// Take a Sneak Peek! //

Our school doesn't start back up until August 25th, so I'm NOWHERE NEAR READY to start tweaking, cleaning, or redecorating my space just yet {plus...summer camp has taken over our school, so we're not even allowed in our rooms at this point}. Check out the pics below for a sneak peak of my room and tweaks from last year. I'll be making updates, changes, and {hopefully} improvements before the kiddos return. When it's all ready to go....I'll be SURE to give you the full tour: photos and PERISCOPE live broadcast!!! For now...take a trip down Route 66 in my 4th grade classroom.

// What'swiththe Retro Road trip Theme? //

I LOVE THEMES...party themes...classroom themes...you name it. Closer to my BTS time, I'll fill you in on my theme rationale and details. The one thing I have learned in over a decade of teaching every grade K-4 is to make your THEME RELEVANT....not just cute. Now, please know I'm a "have your cake and eat it, too" kind of girl, so I don't like to sacrifice cuteness. I just put the priority of my theme on how it ties to our standards, goals, etc. for the grade level. Check back soon {subscribe via email for auto updates!!} to hear me dish on successful theme planning and implementation!

Be an IEMD INSIDER!

I've been *SMITTEN* with Class Dojo for SO MANY REASONS since I first discovered the app, and that crush just keeps on keepin' on, because just as in every EVERY SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP, they LISTEN and are CONSTANTLY IMPROVING. As teachers...sometimes we feel unheard, under-supported, and just WISH someone would take our suggestions, concerns, ideas, etc. seriously to make our lives easier. Class Dojo does this RELENTLESSLY, and their newest demonstration of devotion is today's release of CLASS DOJO GROUPS! {pause for squeals and happy dance}I'M.FREAKING.OUT.

// THE NEED IS REAL //

I use groups ALL OF THE TIME.

table groups

Kg. buddy groups

STEM/Science groups

Guided reading groups

Guided math groups

Class job groups

.......get the picture?? I want and NEED to be able to pre-program my typical groups into the already awesome Dojo database in order to be most efficient and effective throughout the day. Guess what? ClassDojo listened to the swarms of us chanting about the need or this feature, and today it's LIVE! {I know you're rushing over to the Dojo groups page right now to scope it out and start inputting students for this new year!} The top reasons why teachers and ClassDojo felt this was a fab-o addition:1) TEACHERS NEED EFFICIENCY: Tapping multiple students and awarding points isn't ridiculously laborious, but if you can "kill two birds with one stone"....why not?!?!?!2) TEACHERS NEED EFFECTIVENESS: There's something powerful about consistently sending messages about the expectations and importance of collaborative groups with your students. Having them be aware of group points on Dojo is one more layer to that messaging that is sure to impactful to individuals, groups, and your class as a whole.

// EASY - PEASY IMPLEMENTATION //

Another reason I love Class Dojo? They make implementation of new features super easy to use, with excellent instructions, support, and intuitive design. Bottom line? You DO NOT have to be a tech wiz to use Dojo features, including groups. Check out how Dojo Groups work simply for your ease and across all devices:

Create groups, tables, teams and more: Set up groups that work for your classroom: tables, project teams, reading groups, houses or anything else! Students can even be in multiple groups.

// Teacher Tested & Approved //

I'm a see-it and try-it to believe it kind of gal, so whenever something new comes out, I want to hear about it from REAL teachers and give it a test drive myself. See what teachers are saying about groups so far and start playing with groups today {especially if your school hasn't started, because what do you have to lose?}

//SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED //

Click through the slideshow below and hover for CAPTIONS illustratingthe few simple steps to getting started with ClassDojo Groups!

// CLassDojo Group Giveaway! //

As if you need any more excitement after this news of such an awesome release...Dojo has generously donated a SWAG BAG to giveaway! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. --Entries will be closed FRIDAY, JULY 24 at 11:59 p.m.--

Be an IEMD INSIDER!

I'm linking up withDoodle Bugs Teaching again this week! Summer is in full swing...and quickly slipping away. We haven't had the best summer weather here in Chicago, but we're making the most of it {#itsbetterthansnow}. I've just returned from a whirlwind of 4th of July and TPT Vegas '15, inspired, excited....and exhausted. Can't wait to share & hear from you, too!

// Back from VEGAS! //

I've just returned {& am trying to recuperate from} the most amazing Teachers Pay Teachers Conference in Las Vegas! It's honestly hard to know where to begin, and the entire event is a bit of a blur {in the best way possible}. Check out my FLOOD of photos featuring new and old friends, meet-ups, sessions, and learn what my biggest take-aways were from this year's event by reading myTPT Vegas Re-Cap blog post.

// Top Take-Aways //

WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER. {{{'NUFF SAID}}}

FIND YOUR NICHE...AND THEN NICHE DOWN {{{FOCUS}}}

MAKE TIME FOR CREATIVITY FIRST.

DON'T LET ANYONE CONTROL YOUR TIME

BE TRUE TO YOU.

WORK HARD & BE HUMBLE.

MAKE MANAGEABLE TO-DO LISTS.

MAKE THE MOST OF SOCIAL MEDIA & BE EFFICIENT.

// Stationery Mega-DOwnload Giveaway //

At the Make a Splash Teacher Bash pool/cabana party I gave away 6 digital sets of my complete "Stylish Stationery for Trendy Teachers" printable notecard/art prints designs. For those who attended, but didn't win, for those who didn't go to Vegas at all, and for those who are readers of my blog, I thought it would be fun to run a quick little giveaway of my complete downloadable sets as part of my TPT Vegas Re-cap blog post. Entries close at 11:59 p.m. TONIGHT (FRIDAY), and winners will be notified Saturday/Sunday. Entering is quick and easy! See a preview of the designs below and enter using the Rafflecopter! {click to play}

// PERISCOPE TAKEOVER //

In case you haven't heard.....Periscope is taking over the teacher/blogger-sphere! I had no idea what it even was until about a week ago, and since then, it's BLOWN UP. I love this social media platform because it's quick, easy, and informal. Best of all, it allows me to feel like I'm connecting with other educators in a real-time/face-time way. If you're interested in Periscope, but have no idea where to start, check out Schroeder'sShananigans in Second's Periscope tutorials and blog posts. I've had 3 VERY informal broadcasts so far, but plan on pairing future Periscopes with blog posts on relevant topics. The broadcast will be like a preview (if you haven't read the post already) or extension/re-cap (if you already read) of my post! I can't wait to connect with you all using this awesome tech tool!

// Follow me on Periscope! @Lindsey petlak //

OH.MY.GOODNESS. Grayson just laid down for a nap earlier this week {rare on these summer days}...so I was in serious #BEASTMODE up in here!!!! One of my greatest take-aways from #TPTVegas15 was that I needed to master time management, increase efficiency, and take control of my #creativetime. This is a struggle for me...and I'm guessing one for most of you, too. We are teachers, many of us are parents, and an overwhelming number of teachers are now bloggers/sellers "on the side" "in our spare time." {SNICKER}See two #BEASTMODE posts from this week below.

// Summer Snapshots with my Sweetie //

I've been loving my time with Grayson this summer! He is 3, and it's such a cool {albeit challenging} age. I'm keeping him home full time for most of the summer, so we are trying to do 1-2 special things each day, but without our schedule getting too hectic or rushed...because summers are supposed to be relaxing, too! We had a MAGICAL 4th of July up in Sheboygan at Blue Harbor Resort. It was honestly the best 4th of July I've ever had, and I think I might do a "Throw Back Thursday" post about it just for fun! Check out the slideshow below for some pics of our fun over the last week or two! {Hover over photos for captions.}

Be an It's Elementary, My Dear! "INSIDER!"

// #BEASTMODE BRAINSTORM IDEA #2 //
ERIN CONDREN CONVERSION

Using what’s left of my #erincondrenteacherplanner {b/c I kinda fizzled out using it as a lesson planner at the end of the year....} as my business planner.....think I might order one JUST for that purpose, b/c its working perfectly! For teaching purposes, I really prefer to use digital lesson planners so that I may link files, websites, and more directly to the plan. The digital plans also allow me to share directly with other colleagues. I found that last year I used theErin Condren Teacher Planner as more of a brainstorm and general layout tool.

Here's the problem...I LOVE these planners, and use my personal Life Planner a lot. They are sturdy, beautiful, practical, and physical. They are great for the creative process for me and I love to get my ideas and creative thoughts out on paper. SO...feeling guilty that I had SO MANY pages left untouched in the lesson planner, I started using it as a blogger/seller/business planner....and LOVE it.

So this is my IDEA:I'm continuing to work on ways to renovate the awesome features of this planner, in a way that makes it work better for my creative and business process involved in blogging, creating, and selling. I'm still discovering ways to turn ordinary teacher pages into extraordinary business brainstorm lists and checklists, but would love to share along the way with all of you, if you're interested! I got a great response when I brought this up on my first #BEASTMODE PERISCOPE {Click to watch if you missed it live.}, and am excited to show off new ways to use this fabulous resource!

***IF YOU'D WATCH A PERISCOPE ON HOW I'M USING MY TEACHER PLANNER AS MY BUSINESS PLANNER, TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!!!***

// ORDER YOUR ERIN CONDREN PLANNER @ DISCOUNT!! //

I may be using my #erincondrenteacherplanner in a different way than intended, but I still plan on ordering a new one ASAP! Check out her new designs and get not only 25% off with the code below, but useTHIS DISCOUNT LINK to get additional money off your purchase!